Dylan Brown vs Parramatta Eels showdown on the cards as 2026 Las Vegas contenders emerge
Dylan Brown’s first game for the Knights could be up against the Parramatta Eels, after both sides put up their hands to play in the 2026 Las Vegas season launch. See which clubs are interested.
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Dylan Brown could be headed for a showdown with his former club Parramatta in Las Vegas after it emerged that the Eels and Newcastle were among seven clubs to put their hand up to take part in the season opener next year.
While the Dragons and Canterbury looked destined to face each other in one game the second match in the NRL double header is wide open.
It means Brown, who has agreed to a $13 million deal worth with the Knights for the next 10 years starting next season, could be one of the star attractions in Sin City if Newcastle are given the green light to take part.
Adding intrigue to their application is the fact that Parramatta have put their hand up to open the season in America as well in 2026, meaning Brown’s first appearance at his new club could be against the club where he made his first grade debut.
The Eels had no desire to lose Brown but officially conceded defeat on Friday when they confirmed that they had waived the cooling off period for the New Zealand international.
It means any hope of a dramatic backflip are now gone, leaving the Knights with a clear path to get Brown’s signature on a contract and confirm the richest deal in NRL history.
All eyes will be on the draw when it comes out in November to see when the Knights and Eels meet, although we may know earlier than that if the two clubs have their way and secure a place in Las Vegas.
St George Illawarra and the Bulldogs are all but certain to be one of the games at Allegiant Stadium having joined forces to launch a bid to play one of their two annual meetings in America.
Their other clash would likely be later in the year – potentially on neutral turf at Allianz Stadium – with the gate takings split between the clubs to mitigate any financial damage suffered as a result of taking a game to America.
With the Bulldogs and Dragons all but locked in, that leaves two spots open for Vegas. Parramatta and Newcastle officials submitted their applications by Friday afternoon’s deadline along with the Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys and the Dolphins.
It is understood of those sides, most have said their preference is to go to Vegas as the away side. The Knights would be open to being home or away which could leave them in the box seat to secure one of the two remaining places.
The NRL will then be left to decide whether to take a Queensland club or look to another Sydney club or the Storm.
It is understood the Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers opted not to apply while none of the sides who have been to Vegas over the past two years put their hand up to go again – the NRL has made it clear that every side will be given a chance over the course of the five-year agreement.
The Sea Eagles are keen to return to the US but could do so in 2027.
With applications to play in Las Vegas closing on Friday, it is understood the NRL wants to be in position to announce the chosen teams within a month.
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Originally published as Dylan Brown vs Parramatta Eels showdown on the cards as 2026 Las Vegas contenders emerge
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